I wanted to ask you people that have been around about seeing a psychologist or therapist for chronic pain. What I am worried about is losing my job if I talk to them. I have to be in good physical shape to do my job, If they find out I have Chronic pain I could lose it. I have talked to a therapist before but always paid for it out of my own pocket. ( not cheap) and they really don't help.sit there and listen. I do have insurance but afraid to use it.

You sound very paranoid! All those records, by law, are supposed to be private and no one but you should be allowed to look at them unless you say it's OK. In fact, there's has been a real focus on this matter in recent years, hence the HIPPA laws that address just your circumstance. I feel like anyone should get the help they pay for and deserve and nothing less. I wouldn't settle for anything short of it!

Hope things work out for you and if you need to see a therapist, please see one for cryin' out loud!!

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jasonv11 (11-30-2010)

I know what you're talking about. I've been checking on it. I once went to a psychologist and a counselor and they told me only if they suspect you gonna hurt yourself they will notify the authorities. So yes, you takes chances here. Authorities means ----losing your job. yes.

I was talking with a counselor and a psychologist on different issues and that's was before the chronic pain and this horrible car accident.

So yes, you take a risk. By law, they have to notify the authorities when and if they suspect you you know, gonna or plan to hurt yourself. So the answer is yes, you are to their mercy.

What meds are you taking?. If I remember correctly, are you the one with the back pain? if that's you, you should go for the oxycontin or ms contin or the patch so you won't suffer.

Hope I help you some. Best luck with your decision

Last edited by nochange; 11-23-2010 at 11:49 PM.

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jasonv11 (11-30-2010)

Jason...........where is your pain and what causes your pain? Are you being treating by a neurologist or pain management specialist? What medication are you taking for your pain? What type of job do you have? Is it a physical demanding job? Do you take anything for pain while at work? What is your age and what other medical problems do you have? I'll try to help if I can. Darbi

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jasonv11 (11-30-2010)

I'm sorry but I nad no idea that you were talking in the range of hurting yourself. I was merely talking about the usual talking back and forth, emotions/actions etc. Short of a danger to yourself or others, they are not required or permitted to discuss anything you've said to them in the privacy of their office during an appointment.

Personally, I have been on oxycontin on and off for the past 10-15 years for neck pain from numerous car and motorcycle accidents and "life". It works better than anything else I've tried over the years and I've tried just about everything out there. Such is life and I hope things look up for you in the near future!

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jasonv11 (11-30-2010)

Jason,
I used to go to a therapist to help with pain, and I found it to be very helpful. My therapist taught me some biofeedback techniques that helped me to get to a state of deep relaxation, and to slow down my breathing and pulse. In turn this helped with the pain.
As far as notifying your employer, I wouldn't be concerned with this as your records are confidential. I don't know how people got off on a tangent and talked about you hurting yourself. I don't see that in this thread.
Pain management entails using a variety of modalities to make pain more manageable. When I was in pain I used as many of them as I could to lessen the pain, and improve my quality of life.
I had a bad jaw, and subsequently chronic pain, for 26 years. The more time went on the more I learned new techniques to help my pain. I learned that meds were only a part of the treatment.
If I were you I would talk to a therapist. You can always go for a couple of sessions and then decide if you think it will be beneficial to you. You don't have to commit to a long term working relationship with this person.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Please keep us posted, and keep those questions coming.
Peggy

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jasonv11 (12-01-2010)

Hi, I'm Kat, glad to meet you. To answer some of the questions on your Post, here we go.

I have the extra added luxury of having 3 major diseases, Degenerative Cartiledge in my hips/knees, Bi-Polar disorder, and Cluster Migraines and Seizures, the migraines can last up to 16 days at a time, mine have only made it to 14 days so far.

I go to both pschyologist(tdoc) and a pschyitrist(pdoc) for my BP, but my tdoc also specializes in Chronic Pain. She is a chronic pain patient herself and that makes it so much easier, she really gets what I'm saying.

Right now I am on 13 meds and 1 injection a day, I see my GP once a month, my tdoc 1-2 times a week, and my pdoc once a week or so, I'm semi-stable and trying to just enjoy life....because you never know what's behind the bend, the next cycle, or disaster.

As far as you not wanting your boss to know. The only way you woul have to disclose any medical reports to him/her is if you were taking medication that could interfere with your job, i.e. long haul trucker, crane operator, forklift driver, etc.

I hope some of this was helpful, and good luck.

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jasonv11 (12-01-2010)

I have just finished the pain management program at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. They have a multidisiplinary approach to treatment including pain psychologists. Dr. Andrew Hendrix - a specialist in pain medicine and Dr. Patricia Cole - a pain psychologist are tremendous. I have learned so much from her. They have many different programs. Dr. Hendrix may be able to adjust your medication to make you feel better. He is really good. Be mindful my friend and take care of yourself.

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curly fry (04-03-2011)